One wrong move and a criminal could open credit cards or loans in your name—wrecking your finances before you even notice. Fixing the damage can take months and cost you thousands. But there’s a simple step you can take right now to make that a lot less likely.
Freezing your credit is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. It blocks lenders from accessing your credit report, which means no one—not even a thief—can open new accounts in your name. Here’s how it works and how to set it up in just a few minutes.
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, blocks lenders from accessing your credit report. When your credit is frozen, no one can open a new credit card, loan, or account in your name—because creditors can’t view your credit to approve the application.
This simple tool doesn’t impact your existing accounts, and it doesn’t stop you from using your credit cards or checking your own credit. But it does stop thieves from opening new accounts with your personal information.
Why Freezing Your Credit Helps Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft is more common than ever, and it often starts with someone opening a loan or credit card in your name. Once that happens, fixing the damage can take months—and cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
A credit freeze adds a strong layer of protection by cutting off access to your credit file. Even if someone has your Social Security number or other sensitive data, they won’t be able to use it to open new accounts.
And in today’s digital world, major data breaches are happening constantly. Sometimes, companies don’t even realize their systems have been compromised for weeks or months. That delay gives identity thieves a head start—and leaves your financial profile exposed.
Freezing your credit protects you during that gap. It’s one of the fastest and most effective ways to stop fraud before it starts.
How to Freeze Your Credit
To freeze your credit, you need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The process is free and usually only takes a few minutes per credit bureau.
Once your freeze is in place, lenders won’t be able to access your credit report—stopping anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
You’ll receive a PIN or password from each bureau that you’ll need to lift or remove the freeze later. Keep these in a safe place.
You can request your freeze online, by phone, or by mail.
Online
Freezing your credit online is the fastest and easiest option. Use the official websites for each bureau:
You’ll create an account, verify your identity, and receive a PIN or password. Once the freeze is confirmed, it takes effect almost immediately.
By Phone
Prefer to speak with someone directly? You can freeze your credit by calling each bureau:
- Equifax: 888-298-0045
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 888-909-8872
Be ready to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. They may ask for additional identity verification.
Phone requests must be completed within one business day, per federal law.
By Mail
To request a credit freeze by mail, you’ll need to send your full name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and copies of documentation (like a driver’s license and utility bill) to each bureau:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
By law, mail requests must be processed within three business days of being received.
See also: What Is a ChexSystems Security Freeze?
How to Lift or Remove a Credit Freeze
You can temporarily lift a credit freeze if you need to apply for credit, rent an apartment, or undergo a background check. You can also remove it entirely if you no longer want the protection.
To lift or remove your freeze, go to the bureau’s website or call their support line. You’ll need your PIN or account login to verify your identity.
A temporary lift can be scheduled for a specific time period or targeted to a specific creditor. Make sure you know which bureau the creditor will use so you only lift the freeze where needed.
What to Do If You Lose Your Credit Freeze PIN
If you lose the PIN or password for one of your credit freezes, you’ll need to request a reset directly from that credit bureau.
This usually involves:
- Verifying your identity with personal information
- Providing copies of documentation (like a driver’s license or utility bill)
- Possibly answering security questions or submitting the request by mail
Each bureau has a process to recover access, but it may take several days to complete. It’s a good idea to store your PINs in a secure password manager or locked file where you can access them when needed.
Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock
A credit lock is similar to a credit freeze, but it’s managed differently and offers a different level of legal protection.
With a credit lock, you can lock and unlock your credit file instantly through a mobile app or online dashboard. It’s convenient, but it’s usually offered as part of a paid credit monitoring service—and it’s not regulated by federal law.
A credit freeze is free, backed by federal law, and requires you to use a PIN or password to lift it. It takes a little more effort but gives you stronger protection.
If you want a legally backed option with no cost, a credit freeze is the better choice. If you prefer convenience and don’t mind paying for it, a credit lock may work for you.
Does freezing affect my credit?
Freezing your credit has no impact on your credit score. It doesn’t change your credit history, your ability to use current credit cards, or your access to your own credit reports.
You can still:
- Check your credit through services like AnnualCreditReport.com
- Receive prescreened credit offers (unless you opt out separately)
- Use your existing credit cards and loans normally
A credit freeze only limits new creditors from seeing your credit file, which helps prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts.
Other Ways to Protect Your Identity
While a credit freeze is one of the strongest ways to block new account fraud, it doesn’t cover everything. You should take additional steps to monitor your existing accounts and watch for other signs of suspicious activity.
Two options worth considering are fraud alerts and credit monitoring services.
Set Up a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
A fraud alert tells potential lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. It’s free and easy to set up.
You only need to contact one of the three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—and they will notify the other two.
Fraud alerts last for 90 days but can be renewed. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft and file a police report, you can request an extended alert that lasts for seven years.
Use Credit Monitoring to Watch for Suspicious Activity
Credit monitoring services track your credit reports and alert you when there’s a change—like a new account, a hard inquiry, or a drop in your score.
Some services are free, while others offer premium plans with additional tools, like identity theft insurance or dark web scans.
While credit monitoring doesn’t prevent fraud, it helps you catch it faster so you can take action quickly.
Final Thoughts
Freezing your credit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft. It takes just a few minutes per bureau, costs nothing, and adds a strong layer of defense against new account fraud.
You don’t have to wait until your information is stolen. Taking action now can save you time, money, and stress later. Combine a credit freeze with fraud alerts, credit monitoring, and good account hygiene to stay one step ahead of identity thieves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze my credit if I don’t have any fraud or identity theft?
Yes. You don’t need to be a victim of fraud to freeze your credit. Anyone can do it as a preventive measure, and it’s one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from new account fraud.
How do I know if someone has tried to open credit in my name?
You’ll typically find out through a hard inquiry on your credit report or a notification from a credit monitoring service. You can also check your credit reports regularly at AnnualCreditReport.com to look for any new accounts you don’t recognize.
Is it better to freeze my credit or set a fraud alert?
A credit freeze offers stronger protection because it blocks access to your credit file entirely. A fraud alert only requires creditors to verify your identity—but it doesn’t stop them from accessing your report.
Can I still rent an apartment or get a job with a credit freeze?
Yes, but you may need to temporarily lift the freeze if the landlord or employer needs to run a credit check. You can do this through the credit bureau the requester uses, then refreeze it afterward.
Can I place a credit freeze on my child’s credit report?
Yes, if your minor children have credit files, it’s a good idea to freeze them. You’ll need your child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of your child’s address. You then must contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and request that a credit freeze be placed on your child’s credit report.
